Decorated children&#39;s novelty garment belt

ABSTRACT

A man&#39;s, woman&#39;s, or child&#39;s decorated novelty belt includes a linear array of interchangeable decorations, such as decorated tiles. The tiles are held in place by a retaining structure which holds the interchangeable decorative tiles in place in a linear configuration upon the central portion of a belt between the buckle at one end and the buckle engaging end portion at the other end of the belt. The retaining structure prevents inadvertent slide-out of the interchangeable decorations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to decorated children's novelty garment belts with interchangeable decorations.

BACKGROUND

Children's clothing with removable decorative attachments is known in the prior art. Poskanzer in his U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,697 describes removably attached stickers to decorate children's clothing. The design U.S. Pat. No. Des 326,183 of Woods describes a design patent with decorative shapes that can be removable attached to a garment belt using hook and loop fasteners. Hannemann's U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,846 relates to a sportsman's belt having a plurality of fabric pockets removably attached using hook and loop fasteners. However, the aforementioned attachment structures of hook and loop fasteners or sticker adhesives have no retaining structure to hold the decorations in place in a linear configuration upon the central portion of a belt between the buckle at one end and the buckle engaging end portion at the other end of the belt.

Additionally, the prior art reveals animal collars, belts, and decorative items attached to clothing which are either highly reflective or which emit light or have both features. U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,106 of Tangen is for a high visibility animal collar with attached modules of reflective material with light emitting devices such as LED's. Powell in U.S. Pat. No. 4,112,482 relates to a night light belt that is a substitute for a flashlight beaming toward the front with a second light module attached to the back portion for visibility. U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,583 of Tuan describes a luminous pad attached to children's clothing which is triggered by movement.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a decorated belt with interchangeable decorations so the decorations could be changed and or re-assembled at the discretion of the individual.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a retaining structure to hold the interchangeable decorations in place in a linear configuration upon the central portion of a belt between the buckle at one end of the belt and the buckle engaging end portion at the other end of the belt.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a man, woman, or child's decorated belt wherein the retaining structure for the interchangeable decorations prevents the inadvertent removal of the interchangeable decorations.

Other objects which become apparent from the following description of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a man, woman, or child belt incorporating a central section between belt buckle and the buckle engagement extension with a tile holding feature that permits decorative tiles to be added or removed. Although the belt can be used by anyone of any age, particularly for children, the belt is both an amusement device and a learning device involving tactile exercise and eye/hand coordination. The tile holding feature can be a flexible linearly extending retaining structure capable of holding decorated tiles in place along the central section of the belt. The central section is an extruded or molded flexible plastic or like such material such as vinyl with a profile compatible with the tiles to be used. Other flexible materials such as leather or other natural fabric materials can be used, as long as the materials are flexible but of sufficient rigidity to retain decorations, such as tiles of any geometric shape in a region within the upper and lower confines of the central section of the belt between the belt buckle and buckle engagement section.

In a first embodiment, this central section incorporates a channel profile into which decorative tiles with an upper and lower groove can be inserted to decorate the belt. In an alternate embodiment, the central section has attached two parallel T-rails protruding from the outer surface which retain decorative tiles of a type having two T-slots of appropriate size and spacing on their back side to engage the two T-rails.

The decorative tiles can be made of a variety of materials. If elastomeric materials such as polyurethane, vinyl, or foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) are used, they can be dimensioned such that the retention method of either embodiment would deform them slightly such there would be no tendency for them to slide out of the central section of the belt unless pushed. If hard materials such as acrylic, nylon, or acetyl are used, some method to prevent inadvertent slide-out is required. This can be as simple as a small block of elastomeric material inserted at both ends of the central section or even between tiles for decorative spacing. Alternatively, small holes from front to back in the central section can be used with short removable plastic rivets inserted from the back side. If leather or other natural materials are used, they can be resilient by their nature and can be made thick enough to resiliently fit in place with a retaining structure, such as a linearly extending channel or a linearly extending array of T-rails or other shaped rails.

In an alternate embodiment, the tile face is covered with a highly reflective surface instead of the indicia such as letters, numbers or shapes. This can be used as a safety feature to make the man, woman or child more visible in twilight or darkness. In a further embodiment, selective tiles would incorporate electronic elements such as a single LED or an array of LED's in a pattern which can be flashed in several pre-programmed or random sequences. A tile face with a liquid crystal display can display animation as desired similar to that in many hand-held electronic games.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the belt of this invention with a central section forming a channel that retains decorative tiles.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the type of tile with top and bottom front grooves compatible with the belt shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the tile shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the belt of FIG. 1 decorated by a number of tiles of the type shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the belt of an alternate embodiment utilizing two parallel T-tracks for retaining tiles.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the type of tile compatible with the belt of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the tile of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the belt of FIG. 5 as decorated by tiles of the type of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an elastomeric retention block used in a central section profile of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an end view illustrating the fit of the retention block within the channel profile.

FIG. 11 is an end view illustrating the fit of an elastomeric retention block within central area between the two T-rails of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation illustrating an alternate tile retention method using a plastic rivet and/or snap-on type of retention method so it could be removed and changed on an as needed basis.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment for a closed sided channel open at the top for insertion of one or more decorative tiles.

FIG. 12B is a top plan view of a plurality of adjacent channels for decorative tiles.

FIG. 12C is a perspective close-up detail view of a backside of a decorative tile being inserted to an interlocking receptacle, where the curved dashed line indicates the direction of movement of the decorative tile being inserted to the interlocking receptacle.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tile with a reflective front face.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tile with an array of LED's on the front face.

FIG. 15 is a front elevation of a printed circuit board used to operate the LED array of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation of a tile with a liquid crystal display on its front surface and electronics housed within to display animated featurettes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows belt 1 of this invention with central section 2 having a channel profile, buckle 3, and buckle engagement extension 4. The tiles 8 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 slide in from either end of central section 2 with grooves 9 on their front surface engaging the turned down channel ends. FIG. 4 shows a completed belt 10 with several tiles 8 installed. While FIGS. 2 and 3 show individual tiles 8, it is contemplated that multiple tiles having resilient connections can be joined together in a linear configuration, so that multiple joined tiles can be slid in together within the channel of central section 2 of belt 1.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment 15 of belt incorporating a central section 16 with T-rails 17 protruding from the outer surface. Note that the compatible tiles 20 of FIGS. 6 and 7 have T-slots 21 which would be engaged by T-rails 17. A completed belt 23 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. While FIGS. 6 and 7 show individual tiles 20 with T-slots 21 engageable with T shaped rails 17 extending along the central section of belt 15, it is contemplated that multiple tiles having resilient connections can be joined together in a linear configuration, so that T-slots 21 of multiple joined tiles 20 can be slid in together joined in a linear configuration and engage over the T-rails 17 of central section 2 of belt 1.

If the tiles of either embodiment are made of hard rigid material, some method of preventing their inadvertent sliding out of the central section must be used. FIGS. 9-11 illustrate the use of an elastomeric block to perform this task. Block 26 is shown in the channel of central section 2 of the first embodiment in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows how it deforms slightly to jam within channel 2; although it retains tiles by frictional fit, it can still be easily forced out to add or change decorative tiles. FIG. 11 shows an end view of block 28 within the central region of T-rails 17 to perform a similar function for belts of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows the details of an alternate method which can be used with either embodiment. Here plastic rivet and/or snap-on technology 30 is used to retain the decorative tiles. It can be removed by putting pressure on the end tangs after they have been seated within hole 32 in central section 31 substrate. Rivet and/or snap-on technology 30 is inserted from the back side of the belt through hole 32.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a further embodiment for a children's decorated belt that includes one or more channel members 142 mounted on the outer surface of the belt, where each channel member 142 is adapted to secure and display decorative tiles 30 therein. Each channel member 142 has an opening 143 on at least the top end thereof to receive the decorated tiles 30.

The tiles 30 are slidable within each respective channel member 142 via a fastener, such as a snap on fastener portion shown in FIG. 12, through a spaced hole 152 extending through the belt. The fastener is on a backside of each tile 30 to releasably engage the spaced hole 152 for mounting and removing each respective tile 30.

While other fastening means may apply to tiles in FIGS. 12, 12A and 12B, preferably means for releasably engaging each hole includes snap-on technology shown in FIG. 12.

If the channel member 142 shown in FIG. 12A is longitudinally extending, more than one tile 30 can be inserted, so long as there is a hole 152 in an array for each tile 30.

Further optionally, each tile 130 can have its own channel 142, such as shown in FIG. 12B, in a plurality of channels 142 for a plurality of tiles 30.

While FIGS. 12, 12A and 12B show snap fasteners insertable in holes 152 in the belt, it is known that other interlocking fasteners, with or without holes, known to those skilled in the art of attachments in general, can be used to attach the decorative tiles to the belt, or in the channels described above.

For example, FIG. 12C is a backside view of a decorative tile 130 having in interlocking snap protrusion 160 engageable with a corresponding interlocking snap receptacle 162 mounted to an outside surface of belt 160, wherein the curved dashed line indicates the direction of contact of protrusion member 161 to interlocking receptacle member 162. While FIG. 12C shows a male protrusion member on the backside of decorative tile 130 and a female interlocking member 162 upon belt 160, it is known that the reverse could be true, where the female interlocking member is on the backside of decorative tile 130 and the male protruding member snap 161 is located upon the outer surface of belt 160.

In an alternate embodiment, individual tiles can have visual aspects besides indicia such as letters, numbers, or decorative shapes. One type is a tile 40 in FIG. 13 with a front face 41 that is highly reflective to aid in making a man, woman or child more visible in a low light environment or simply as a decorative item in itself. The tile 40 is shown with grooves 9 which are compatible with a belt having a channel 2 as in FIG. 1. It is understood that, alternatively, T-shaped recesses on the back surface could be used to mate with a belt 15 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 14 shows a tile 50 housing electronics to drive and sequence a pattern of LED's 52 on front surface 51 which is a snap-fit cover to permit access to the interior to replace battery cells. FIG. 15 shows a printed circuit board 54 that can be removed for battery 55 replacement once cover 51 is snapped off. While a single steady LED or a flashing LED can be used, it is more decorative to have an array of led's 52 which are automatically flashed in a variety of sequences by factory programmed sequencer module 57. Such modules are very inexpensive and have been used in toys and other decorative accessories. Note that button cells 55, module 57, and on/off switch 56 are mounted on the back surface of PC board 54. Tile 50 is shown with recesses 21 for mounting, although grooves 9 could have been provided instead.

FIG. 16 shows the front of tile 60 with a small liquid crystal display 61 mounted on its front surface. On switch button 62 starts the show. Typically, the circuit with have an automatic shut-off after a short animation featurette is shown. Miniaturization available today supports packaging of the entire electronics that is similar in function to that in hand-held electronic games of the last decade within the cavity in a tile of this invention. Entire computer chip with video content in flash memory represents a tiny surface-mount module. No keyboard is required, and lithium-ion button cells can power the unit.

While it is noted that the children's decorative novelty belt is primarily for children, it could be used for adults as well.

In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims. 

1. A children's decorated belt for being worn by a child user comprising: an elongated strap having an outer surface, an inner surface, top and bottom edges, a distal end portion and a proximate end portion; a buckling member mounted on said proximate end portion; said distal end portion adapted to receive said buckling member to secure said children's decorated belt on said child user; a channel member mounted on said outer surface on a central portion of said belt extending between said proximate and distal portions; said channel member adapted to secure and display decorative tiles; said channel member having an opening on at least one end thereof to receive said tiles, said tiles being slidable within said channel member along a length of said belt, decorations on said tiles being displayed when said belt is being worn.
 2. The children's decorated belt of claim 1 in which said channel member comprises a flat portion mounted on the outer surface of said belt extending between proximate and distal portions of said belt, and having tile engaging grips along top and bottom edges of said flat portion coinciding with top and bottom edges of said belt, whereby tiles inserted at either end of said channel member are positioned and linearly arranged and/or reassembled according to discretion of the child user of said belt.
 3. The children's decorated belt of claim 2 in which said tile engaging grips comprise turned over edges of said channel member.
 4. The children's decorated belt of claim 1 in which said channel member is made of flexible material.
 5. The children's decorated belt of claim 4 in which said material is plastic with sufficient rigidity to retain said tiles.
 6. The children's decorated belt of claim 4 in which said material is leather.
 7. The children's decorated belt of claim 4 in which said material is a fabric.
 8. The children's decorated belt of claim 1 in which said tiles are made of rigid material.
 9. The children's decorated belt of claim 8 having a deformable block pressed into said opening into said channel member to prevent inadvertent sliding out of said tiles.
 10. The children's decorated belt of claim 1 in which at least one of said tiles has a front face which is highly reflective.
 11. The children's decorated belt of claim 1 in which at least one of said tiles has a pattern of LED's with a programmed sequencer module for said LED's being embedded in said tile.
 12. The children's decorated belt of claim 1 in which at least one of said tiles has a liquid crystal animated display on a front surface thereof, with electronics and on/off switch therefor within and on said tile.
 13. The children's decorated belt of claim 1 in which said channel member comprises a flat portion mounted on the outer surface of said belt extending between proximate and distal portions of said belt, and having at least one T-rail mounted on and protruding from said flat portion, said tiles having matching T-slots for engaging said T-rail.
 14. The children's decorated belt of claim 13 in which said T-rail comprises a leg extending outwardly from said flat portion of said channel member and an overlapping section parallel to said flat portion attached to a distal edge of said leg.
 15. The children's decorated belt of claim 14 in which a second T-rail is mounted on and protruding from said flat portion, said second T-rail is spaced from, and parallel, to said one T-rail, said tiles having matching slots to engage both of said T-rails.
 16. The children's decorated belt of claim 15 having a deformable block pressed into a passageway between said spaced T-rails to prevent inadvertent sliding out of said tiles from said T-rails.
 17. The children's decorated belt of claim 1 further comprising spaced holes in through said outer surface on a central portion of said belt extending between said proximate and distal portions; said tiles having means on a backside of each tile to releasably engage said holes for mounting and removing said tiles within said channel on said belt.
 18. The children's decorated belt of claim 17 in which said means on said tiles for releasably engaging said holes comprises snap-on technology.
 19. A children's decorated belt for being worn by a child user comprising: an elongated strap having an outer surface, an inner surface, top and bottom edges, a distal end portion and a proximate end portion; a buckling member mounted on said proximate end portion; said distal end portion adapted to receive said buckling member to secure said children's decorated belt on said child user; at least one interlocking receptacle member mounted on said outer surface on a central portion of said belt extending between said proximate and distal portions; said at least one interlocking receptacle member adapted to secure and display at least one decorative tile therewith; said at least one interlocking receptacle member having at least one engagement region on a portion thereof to connect with said at least one tile, said at least one tile being engageable with said at least one interlocking receptacle member along a portion of said belt, such that decorations on said at least one tile being displayed when said belt is being worn; said at least one tile having means on a backside of said at least one tile to releasably engage said at least interlocking receptacle for mounting and removing said at least one tile on said belt.
 20. The children's decorated belt of claim 19 in which said interlocking receptacle member for releasably engaging said at least one decorative tile comprises snap-on technology where a backside of said at least one decorative tile snaps together with at least one interlocking snap member.
 21. The children's decorated belt of claim 19 in which said interlocking receptacle member for releasably engaging said at least one tile comprises at least one hole in said belt through which a corresponding engagement member on a backside of said at least one decorative tile is inserted.
 22. The children's decorated belt of claim 19 in which said interlocking receptacle member for releasably engaging said at least one decorative tile comprises a channel into which said at least one decorative tile is inserted, said channel being mounted on an outer surface of said belt.
 23. The children's decorated belt of claim 19 in which at least one of said at least one decorative tile has a front face which is highly reflective.
 24. The children's decorated belt of claim 19 in which said at least one of decorative tile has a pattern of LED's with a programmed sequencer module for said LED's being embedded in said tile.
 25. The children's decorated belt as in claim 19 wherein said at least one decorative tile is a plurality of tiles engageable with said at least one interlocking receptacle member.
 26. The children's decorated belt as in claim 19 wherein said at least one decorative tile is a plurality of tiles each engageable with a respective interlocking receptacle member of a plurality of respective interlocking receptacle members.
 27. The children's decorated belt as in claim 22 wherein said at least one tile is a plurality of tiles each insertable within at least one respective channel member located on an outer surface of said belt. 